Not-so-mysterious red velvet cake

Happy Friday and happy almost Halloween!  A few months ago, a good friend requested a red velvet cake for his mid-October birthday.  I happily agreed and began the typical research, seeking out the best  recipe for this classic cake that I could find.  But, October turned out to be a pretty busy month with Pitt games, out of town visitors, family weekends, and weddings of the fall variety.  So, Nick's birthday came and went, much too quietly for anyone's taste.  He didn't seem to mind, but I knew he really wanted that cake, and I was determined to let him have said cake before October was behind us.  And then he went and got engaged to his longtime lady love.  Two reasons to celebrate and just one cake.  That's a lot of pressure, folks :)

 

[from this]

[to this]

Find a recipe is exactly what I did.  Not just any recipe, but one that ran in The New York Times.  That's right, the big guns.  But, while the search was successful, a tragedy reminiscent of childhood took place.  Every single flippin' recipe for red velvet cake involved heaping amounts of red food coloring.  That couldn't be right... could it?  Red food dye would mean that the color isn't natural, and the masses fawn over this cake's magical red properties (and frosting, but we'll get to that).  Apparently, the color of red velvet cake isn't simply the natural consequence of the acidic vinegar and buttermilk with the cocoa.  It's helped along with a literal ton of red food dye added to the batter!   It was a serious blow to my soul discovering this culinary lie.  Pretty similar to "The Easter bunny isn't real!" and "Santa Claus doesn't exist!"  Oh, how I remember it like it was yesterday...

Fresh fresh fresh!

If yesterday had a theme, it'd be F-R-E-S-H!  I took a mid-week hiatus from work so Matt and I could head to a local farm and orchard for some good ol' fashioned apple and pumpkin pickin'.  After Tuesday's monsoons, I was a little worried we'd be mucking around in a swampy muddy mess.  Well... surprise, surprise, there was no reason to worry.  The skies were beautiful and the air was crisp and fresh!

Happy 1st birthday to me!

Hey, guess what?  It's been one year since a bout with boredom resulted in the creation of this little blog!  Can you believe it?  I can't!

 Some of my favorite posts:

Cozy wraps

These are sweet and adorable to cover up on for a fall or winter wedding, at least long enough to get a few snowy outside pictures before you can no longer control the shivering and chattering of teeth for pictures:

[via here]

What has me in the wedding mood?  Two of my best friends just got engaged this past weekend!  Congratulations, you two!  (Withholding names for the time being in case some people haven't heard yet and certainly shouldn't first read about it here.)  Every time I think about it, I literally jump around in place.  It's awesome, though I'm sure nothing compared to how they feel :)

 

One woman's excess is another woman's stew!

Oh, hello there!  I don't know about your zip code, but it looks like it's about to rain buckets here in Pittsburgh this morning.  While rain may bum out some people and be a reason (and a good one, at times) to mope around, I think it feels refreshing after the gorgeous weekend we had.  Temperatures in the low 70s, sunny, and perfect for a three hour foliage walk through the park dotted with a Razzy date with B.  In case you're wondering, I went with pumpkin and cheesecake flavors swirled together.  To die for!

Some pictures from my strolling:

[relaxing on a bench]

Pumpkin pie for breakfast!...?

Happy Friday!  Why so happy?  Well, for one, it's Friday and this week has flown by me!  Second, the Penguins prevailed in overtime last night against the Nashville Predators.  Included in that win was a goal so ridiculous that the parties involved, Crosby and Malkin, were laughing on the bench, most likely a little impressed by what they just did (and rightfully so!).  But, the real reason is probably because I had my most favorite breakfast ever today (and two other days this week, ahem) -- baked pumpkin pie oatmeal.  That's right.  Don't refresh your web browser.  Pumpkin pie for breakfast.  It can be done!

Let's get right to business, here.  It's no secret that I love dessert.  I love it so much that I've turned a few typical desserts into slightly more nutritious versions that can pass for breakfast: My first attempt at crepes.  Last week's apple and peanut butter tart -- protein AND fruit!  And, a product of last winter's snowpacalypse -- apple pie oatmeal.  But with fall here, I've been hankering for anything pumpkin.  Pumpkin fro-yo at Razzy Fresh.  Pumpkin cookies at tailgates.  Pumpkin bread at work.  You get the idea.  In fact, it's a little shameful to see how the mission: pumpkin has consumed my life... welp, over it that quickly :)

Here's how you, too, can have pie for breakfast and get a step closer to turning into a pumpkin yourself:

Halloween costume S.O.S.!

I know I don't do this often, and honestly, I really should get around to changing that.  I need your help, please!  Otherwise, I'll end up with a costume like this...

[from "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!"]

I was invited to a Halloween party with a theme for the costumes.  Guests are asked to come dressed portraying any dead person of note -- celebrities, athletes, historical figures, you name it.  I have never been one to don particularly creative costumes.  Past get-ups include a football player, ninja, Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, and a tennis player.  

What are your ideas?  I can go as something alone or a couple costume with Matt.   I'd appreciate all and any, please and thank you :)

It's fun to play with your lasagna!

Today is Wednesday.  Today I vow to go to the gym.  And I've found that if I proclaim it here, I stay true to my word.  Because Monday and yesterday, well, I was a bit lazy.  I don't really have a good excuse for why I headed straight home after work both days, other than I simply wasn't in the mood to jump around and sweat.  And, somewhere in my head, I reasoned that it was better to have a day of quality rest than a half-hearted workout.  Right?  Instead, I was in the mood to do absolutely nothing... well, save for eating pizza, watching hockey, and baking cookies.  Things requiring minimal effort and yielding maximum pleasure.  So, today, I vow to write about a recipe that did require effort (when I made it days ago) but was soooooo worth it.  Writing about it means that I'm indirectly being productive, right?

Short-cut photogenic dessert

Since the season of "let's stay out until the wee hours enjoying lingering sunlight and being social butterflies" is behind us, that means we're officially into "all I want to do is hibernate at home and consume belly-warming drinks and meals while wrapped in a blanket on the couch" season!  You know, when discussions of weekend plans with friends involve the word "sitting"... and it should be given the same respect as any other errand or social engagement.  My friends and I, you see, we don't mess around when it comes to our leisure time.

If one errand involves significant elbow grease, you can be sure the following chore is light on effort and heavy on pleasure.  I apply the same theory to food, which is why it saddens me when people get so anxious about having company for dinner and convince themselves they can't possibly do it.  I find that, often times, the cook is concerned with making each component of the meal a show-stopper.  That kind of challenge is sure to drive even the most accomplished chef crazy.   See any episode of Chopped on Food Network for further proof... who on earth wants to sweat, curse, and generally freak out like that over a meal?  Not me and, I'm betting, not you.

They fell in love and married in fall!

When good friends announced their outdoor wedding date about 18 months ago, I remember thinking what a crapshoot October weather in western Pennsylvania can be: sunshiney, rainy, or even snowy.  I feel like I'm speaking for every one of the happy couple's family relatives and friends when I say that I crossed my fingers, tightly, hoped for the best.

Well, gosh, wouldn't you know that the weather was literally p-e-r-f-e-c-t!  Simply asking for sunshine alone wouldn't have created the most gorgeous day yet this fall.  The temperature was in the lower to mid 60s, there was a just light enough breeze, and the sky, well, she was as blue as can be:

The ceremony took place in the outdoor garden at Phipps Conservatory in Oakland.  It felt like we were tucked away in secret flowery nest with a totally appropriate reminder of the city's landscape peaking through the trees -- Pitt's acclaimed Cathedral of Learning.  It's the second tallest educational building in the world, don't you know ;)  Totally appropriate because the bride and groom met while in college here:

How-to: Soaking dry beans

TGIF!  Color me surprised that this week flew by at such a quick pace!  After last week's Tuesday through Thursday very abbreviated work schedule, I figured this week would be a dragger... especially with so many fun things for this weekend.  But, I've gotta say, having new and out of my comfort zone meals planned certainly gives me things to look forward to on weeknights.  Not to mention a fantastic Thursday night TV line-up.  Community and The Office were hilarious, as per usually, but 30 Rock LIVE?!  In my opinion, the crew, writers, and actors knocked it out of the park!  Did you watch?  If so, what did you think?

Anyway, like I was saying, having exciting meals planned definitely gets me excited.  I used to fear that I'd have last minute cravings and not be hungry for what I planned for that dinner, but that has yet to happen (crosses fingers, knocks on wood, etc.).  The cassoulet was certainly that dish this week, and I managed to make it even more budget-friendly...

Cassoulet -- the casserole goes French

Some days I amaze myself... and not necessary in the good way.  After I made this the other night, I was about to pat myself on the back for creating something so house-warming, so delicious, and so French.  Just say it with me.  Cassoulet  Cass-oh-lay.  Doesn't it just sound worthy of praise?  So, as I'm busy patting myself on the back, I managed to neglect the measuring cup of boiling water in my other hand and, as my beloved Paula Deen would tell it, done split boilin' water on my hand.  Boiling water.  Kitchen 101.  To make Jell-O.  Jell-O.  Good freakin' grief.  Any credibility I had with you folks in the kitchen just evaporated in front of my very eyes.  I'll be thankful if any of you manage to read past this.  (gulp)

Bring on the mittens!

Brisk alert!  Did we skip fall altogether?  This past weekend, it was unseasonally warm (mid-70s) for mid-October, so I soaked up every last ounce of sun and coats-not-needed weather.  When I woke up this morning, it was 40 degrees outside.  40!!   Could've, would've, should've worn gloves.  But then I'd be that crazy person, ill-equipped to deal with seasonal changes in temperature, sporting gloves in the almost 70-degree air that is expected to be around this afternoon.  Whew!  A girl just can't win :)

 
So, since I'll probably end up cursing myself under my breath on my walk to work, I might as well distract myself with some fuzzy and cozy splurges...

Alliteration take #4: Pens & apple pie

I love my friends.  I love food.  So, it comes as no surprise that I enjoy baiting my friends with promises of food.  Did I say baiting?  I meant treating.  Really.  With as many grand baking plans as I have, it helps to have occasions for which to make dishes and desserts.  But, my life isn't an episode of Sex and the City (not that I'd ever want it to be, thank goodness) so my social calendar isn't exactly packed with swanky events.  If you're familiar at all with the show, you know that the opportunities for cocktail attire and schmoozing at fantastic restaurants are never-ending... do these women ever actually work or sleep or spend time with their husbands and children?  Or just talk about doing such things.  Anyway.  While tuxedos and sequined dresses may not be in my near future, a hockey game in a cozy apartment seems like perfect occasion for dessert and good company.

Whew!

Busy weekend.  Much fun!  How was yours?  Unpacked late last night.  Didn't have time to write.  My apologies.  Until tomorrow, a few links to pique your interest:

• Don't throw away pumpkin seeds after carving!  Try this.
• Compostable chip bag -- my parents got one this weekend and it is SO loud.
• Spaghetti... tacos?
• A fun dinner party or wedding favor for kids (and adults, ahem) -- origami napkins!

Have a productive Monday!! :)

What $10.68 will buy ya...

Happy Friday!!  So, hey, let's address the elephant in the room.  Last night's Penguins home opener was a bummer of a loss, but there are a few good notes: Fleury looked sharp and made some clutch saves early.  The new second line consisting of Malkin, Comrie and Tangradi had good chemistry for early in the season.  Orpik laid out some mean hits.  TK got a goal, so his status as the fans' whipping boy should be delayed at least for a few days.  And that arena is just gorgeous.  Also, I'm going to start keeping a Lizzie McGuire count for the season.  (For those not in the know, newly acquired winger Mike Comrie married the former Disney star this past summer.)  I'm unsure whether it'll be for a mention of Hilary Duff and/or Lizzie McGuire, but so far it's 1.  I bet someone, somewhere, probably in college, is dreaming up a sort of game right now... moving on... :)

Remember when I asked for your opinions regarding a fall DIY (do-it-yourself) wreath for my front door?  After some browsing around in my friendly neighborhood Michael's crafts store, I came away with these humble supplies:

And, with nimble fingers and a little elbow grease, created this:

Chicken Little no more!

No matter how old I get, there will be certain tasks and talents that are reserved for my mom.  Or, if I must do them, I'll try to mimic my mom as best as I can (and probably grumble a bit when the results aren't quite the same).  Filling Halloween treat bags.  Baking banana muffins.  Filling Christmas stockings.  Crafting greeting cards.  Even something as everyday as making mashed potatoes just the way she does.  That last one seems to affect everyone I know, young and old.  For example, I can recall Matt's mom saying that she's tried and tried to make mashed potatoes just like her grandma did but can't get it quite right.  Everyone seems to prefers his or her mother's mashed potatoes.  And, rightfully so!  Food, at least for me, is tied closely to memory, and memories of home make me smile :)

Because it's neither responsible nor socially acceptable for a 26-year-old to depend on my mother for everything, I thought it was time to conquer one of my cooking fears -- roasting a whole bird.  Since I was young enough to remember, my mom or grandma has always roasted the Thanksgiving turkey, and very well, might I add.  I know I'm going to have to do it one day (pray not for at least 30 years), but how do people get started with this sort of thing?  Anyone not living under a rock has been scared into thinking the first turkey will come out charcoal black and result in the fire department showing up on the front step.  Curse you, TV and movies!  Images like that turn people like me into Chicken Little... "The bird is burning, the bird is burning!"  How can I possibly cook a whole bird by myself? And am I the only one with this kind of worry?

No-carve pumpkins

If you're not a fan of sharp knives and gooey pumpkin centers, or are simply looking for a way to spice up your annual pumpkin decorations, check out these twists from Real Simple.  I especially loooove the script monogram!

[both seen here]

Herbed tilapia

Tuesday, Tuesday!  Makes me think of this and giggle a little:

[seen here]

Today I am thankful for three-day weekends and that bit of a jump they put in your step when you return to work.  I'm sensing a very productive day :)  And shaping up to be busy, too.  There's getting back on the exercise wagon after a full work day, making dinner, and heading to a friend's for a Glee viewing party.  It's nights like tonight when a quick dinner is all that I have time for, be it cereal as a last resort.  If you're in a similar situation, you are in luck!

Harvest time!

If you had to pick one word to sum up your weekend, what would you choose?  This should come as no surprise that my one word would be d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s!  I swear, I really have other hobbies that don't involve eating, but they aren't nearly as fun to discuss.  There was a home-cooked Friday night dinner, the oh-how-I've-missed-for-much-too-long fabulous spread of the Hanlon tailgate (thank you!), a mini pumpkin pie Blizzard from Dairy Queen, and a cozy Sunday night dinner with baked penne and chocolate cake.  Hey, I even made time to cheer on Pitt (wooo win!) and saw Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps -- very good!

After typing out just what I ate this weekend, I thought I'd share a slightly healthier dish I whipped up last weekend.  A warm dinner perfect for a rainy night, full of fresh produce to up my (mental) vegetable intake.  Because, as everyone knows, it's the thought that counts, right? :)

Fall French toast + birthday!

Happy Friday!  It's a gorgeous fall morning and I'm full of energy... maybe due to the abbreviated workout last night?  Woops.  There's been a tiny tingle in my right knee all week that upgraded itself to a stinging pain yesterday, so I stopped and headed home to do some fall cleaning.  Anyway, that extra pep in my step is probably due to the awesome breakfast I made for myself -- cinnamon apple French toast!  It added only two minutes to my morning routine and was worth the splurge on a Friday.  Here's how to treat yourself:

 Apple Spice French Toast

• Peel an apple and dice it, put it in a bowl and toss with a tablespoon of water, splash of vanilla, dash of nutmeg and cinnamon.  
• Toss together and microwave for 2 minutes to soften apples.  
• Meanwhile, cook two pieces of bread as you would for French toast 
• Top with warm apple and spice mixture for serving.  The apples are soft and the cinnamon and vanilla make for a nice liquid... I didn't even need syrup!  A warm-you-all-over kind of meal.  Win win :)

In other news...